Hong Kong Carnival III: The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 2

In the last article, we have talked about the 5 nature reserves.I think you have been obsessed by them. But I am sorry to tell you it is not end. Ha-ha, there are still 5 nature reserves in the chapter.

                                                             Chapter Three

The better side of Hong Kong: Top 10 nature reserves 2


--Skyscrapers are cool, but it's the mountains, beaches and crazy monkeys that make Hong Kong truly sublime

6. Sexy rocks: High Island

High Island is one of the best sites within the Hong Kong Geopark. A collection of 12 special geological sites spread around Hong Kong, the geopark is a rock enthusiast's dream.

High Island

High Island alone has some of Hong Kong's most spectacular rock formations. The mounds of rocks form angular patterns, as though someone went at it with a giant chisel. At Po Pin Chau, there's a hill that was broken clear into two sections by natural forces.

Getting there: Take bus 94 at Sai Kung Market or 96R at Diamond Hill MTR station (service on weekends and public holidays only). Get off after Pak Tam Chung and walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road to the junction ahead. Turn into Man Yee Road of Sai Kung on the right and walk on for about nine kilometers to the High Island Reservoir East Dam, the starting point of High Island Geo Trail.

7. Most inclusive: Aberdeen Country Park

The Aberdeen Country Park on Hong Kong Island has the physically impaired in mind. 

Aberdeen Country Park

The park has a wheelchair ramp and a picnic area for the disabled. Disabled visitors can use the wheelchair trail to enjoy the scenery nature has to offer. Braille maps and information boards are also in place for the blind.

It is one of Hong Kong's oldest country parks and is located close to urban residences. The hiking trails are mostly easy and are popular with kids on school field trips.

Getting there: Take green minibus 4A or 4C from Lockhart Road in Causeway Bay to Shek Pai Wan in Aberdeen. Or green minibus 4B that runs between Wanchai and Shek Pai Wan. At Shek Pai Wan, follow Aberdeen Reservoir Road up the hill for the portal of Aberdeen Country Park. Stage 3 of the Hong Kong Trail starts at Peel Rise next to Pui Tak Canossian College on the right side of Aberdeen Reservoir Road. 

8. Real tweets: Hong Kong Wetland Park

This is Hong Kong's prized centerpiece of a nature reserve.

Hong Kong Wetland Park

The Hong Kong Wetland Park in the New Territories has a stunning variety of animals in Hong Kong. As such, it has become a hub of conservation, ecotourism and education. It is also home to Pui Pui the crocodile, Hong Kong's endearing reptilian mascot. You can make a day out of visiting the Wetland Park and its facilities for visitors. The stream walk, mangrove boardwalk and the bird hideouts placed right next to the fish pond gets you up close and personal with wildlife. 

Getting there: at West Rail Tin Shui Wai Station, change to Light Rail Transit 705 or 706 to Tin Sau Station or Wetland Park Station to get to Hong Kong Wetland Park. 

9. An eyeful of Victoria Harbour: Pokfulam Country Park

Victoria Harbour looks extra amazing from the Peak Trail in Pokfulam Country Park. 

Pokfulam Country Park

The Trail leads you to tourist hot spot Victoria Peak, known simply as "The Peak," so you can tick that off the list when you get to the end.

Popular as a dog-walking area for moneyed residents of the Peak and of Hong Kong's Mid-Levels, you can break out your glamour hiking outfits for this field trip.

The Pokfulam Reservoir is also Hong Kong's oldest and is a sight in its own right.

Getting there: Pokfulam Country Park is served by many public transport routes. To get to the Peak Trail, take bus 15 or 515, or green minibus 1 to the Peak.

10. Best for the imagination: Lion Rock Country Park

Lion Rock is a huge rock formation perched at the top of a hill. Squint hard, exercise some imagination and you may see the rock's resemblance to a lion.

It has become a symbol of Hong Kong and is an inspiration for pop culture.

Lion Rock Country Park

The hiking trail to the peak is relatively easy but can be quite steep and challenging near the "head" of the Lion Rock. Unobstructed views of Hong Kong take the edge off the pain of the hike.
Amah Rock on the hilltop near the entrance of Lion Rock Tunnel is another famous giant rock formation. It looks a bit like a woman with a baby on her back. The story is that a woman stood carrying her baby, waiting for her husband to return home. She and the baby waited so long, they turned to stone. 

Getting there: Lion Rock Country Park is a very accessible destination, with bus routes stopping or passing through from all parts of the territory.